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Alimony

Alimony is a payment one spouse (or former spouse) pays to the other either while a divorce is pending or after a marriage has ended.

Types of Alimony

Temporary alimony awarded while a divorce is pending is called alimony “pendente lite.”

Temporary alimony can also be awarded for the period after a divorce is granted.  This type of alimony is intended to support a former spouse while he or she finds a job or obtains the training or education needed to get a job.

Permanent alimony is increasingly uncommon.  It’s usually awarded to spouses who are unable to find employment and become self-supporting for reasons of age or health.

Alimony may be paid in a lump sum, monthly or bi-weekly, or on any other schedule to which the parties may agree or that the court may order.

Basis for Alimony

In order to award alimony, a court must find that one spouse needs it and the other spouse has the ability to pay it.

In determining whether to award alimony, and the amount, a court will also take into consideration factors like:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s age, health, and position in life
  • Each spouse’s occupation or profession
  • Each spouse’s income
  • Each spouse’s skills and employability
  • Each spouse’s estate (assets) and financial needs
  • Child support payments to be made or received by either spouse
  • Whether it is better for the children that a parent not work, or not work full-time
  • Whether either spouse engaged in adultery or abuse during the marriage
  • Whether one spouse abandoned the other

There’s no chart or formula that determines how much alimony should be awarded in a given case.  This is up to the discretion of the judge.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

The couple can agree in advance (in writing) that neither will seek any modification to an award of alimony.  If they don’t do this, then either spouse can go to court to seek modification or termination of alimony based on changed circumstances.

Alimony will also automatically end upon:

  • Expiration of the term of temporary alimony
  • Remarriage of the former spouse receiving alimony – as long as there is a provision in the agreement providing for such
  • the death of either party

Getting the Help You Need

An experienced family lawyer can help you make the best case for yourself when it comes to alimony.

We can explain your rights, the process, and possible outcomes.  We always try to help the parties work things out on their own, but we can go to court to fight for your interests if necessary.

Flaherty Legal Group is located in West Hartford and represents clients throughout Connecticut in all family law matters including high net worth divorce. Please call us at (860) 904-2034 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Firm Partners

Attorney

Sandi B. Girolamo

Sandi B. Girolamo has been practicing family law for over 20 years. In that time, she has been selected to Connecticut Super Lawyers in every year since she became eligible in 2011. She was also elected to the prestigious Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program. Attorney Girolamo has tried many cases in Connecticut Family Courts, and she has also averted the need to go to trial for many clients by negotiating equitable settlements. Sandi is an experienced divorce and family law attorney who is known for her keen approach to handling custody issues.

attorney

Pamela M. Magnano

Pamela M. Magnano practices in the area of family law, representing clients in divorces, legal separations, support issues and child custody matters in Connecticut. Since 2003, Attorney Magnano has represented clients and children at all levels of family proceedings and has appeared in family courts throughout the state of Connecticut. She has been selected to Connecticut Super Lawyers in every year since she became eligible in 2014, and was elected to the prestigious Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program. Pam has developed in her 20+ year career a solid foundation in handling financial issues in divorce and family law cases.

Contact

Flaherty Legal Group, LLC
41 North Main Street
Suite 201
West Hartford, Connecticut 06107

860-904-2034

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Flaherty Legal Group, LLC
Flaherty Legal Group, LLC is located in West Hartford, Connecticut and serves clients in and around W. Hartford, Avon, Simsbury, Burlington, Glastonbury, South Glastonbury, Poquonock, Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield, New Britain, Broad Brook, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Windsor, West Simsbury, Canton, East Berlin, Weatogue, East Berlin, as well as Hartford County, Tolland County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County and New Haven County. We strive to develop legal strategies that best suit your needs.

Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

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